ZAGREB, Croatia (Interstat) — Medvescak, despite a 3-20 record across all competitions, carries a commanding 1-0 series lead into Game 2 of the women’s professional basketball playoffs Thursday against Pula-Orca. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. local time at Zagreb’s sports hall.

Medvescak routed Pula-Orca 107-45 on Sunday, May 10, in Game 1, with forward Marina Kusanovic posting 27 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists in 34 minutes. Center Lea Aljinovic added 32 points and six rebounds, while captain Iva Medic contributed six points, 12 rebounds and six assists.

For the season, Medvescak has alternated between blowout losses and narrow wins. They defeated Split 59-54 on March 24 and Zadar 76-55 on March 29 but lost their other nine contests, including an 89-56 defeat to Sibenik on Jan. 24 and a 94-56 loss at Zagreb on Jan. 31. Their most recent victory outside the playoff opener was a 75-96 loss at Zadar on April 25.

Pula-Orca, playing its first full season, is 0-1 overall. Its only previous game was the 107-45 loss at Medvescak. Point guard Lucija Begonja scored 21 points and grabbed three rebounds in 35 minutes in that contest. Guard Marija Vrdoljak added nine points and three rebounds in 16 minutes.

The series is organized under the Croatian Basketball Federation. Game 2 presents a must-win for Pula-Orca, which faces elimination if it loses again. Medvescak aims to close out the series and advance.

Players to watch: Kusanovic, a versatile forward, has averaged 14.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists over her last three games, including a 15-point, six-rebound, four-assist effort in the loss at Zadar. Begonja, who scored a team-high 21 points in Game 1, will need support from guard Hana Vranic (nine points, six rebounds, five assists in Game 1) and Vrdoljak to keep Pula-Orca competitive.

Medvescak’s depth could be a factor: In Game 1, six players scored in double figures. Pula-Orca’s defense allowed 107 points, the highest total Medvescak has produced this season. The home team will need to tighten its perimeter defense and limit second-chance opportunities.

The winner of the series advances to the next round of the Croatian women’s playoffs.